Attack On DCP Kola Okunola: Alleged Mastermind Arrested ​

The Police High Command, on Friday, announced the arrest of Hon. Israel Sunny Gioli, who they alleged, was the mastermind and ringleader of “the irresponsible, unprovoked and unwarranted attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kola Okunola” in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

A release by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Mr. Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, named two other persons arrested in connection with the incident as Tamarapreye Victor, 34, and Azi Newton, 34.

Hon. Sunny Gioli, 47, a candidate of one of the major political parties in the House of Representatives Elections in Brass Constituency, Bayelsa State, was reportedly arrested in his hideout somewhere in Abuja in the morning of Friday, March 1, 2019, in a covert operation.

His arrest, maintains the release, conformed with the directive of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Muhammed Adamu, who had ordered the “immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of all persons involved in the Sunday, 24th February, 2019 attack on the DCP in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State.

“It would be recalled that while leading the team providing protection for INEC officials, voters and materials, DCP Kola Okunola was brutally attacked and molested by thugs led by Hon. Sunny Gioli.”

Mba said effort was ongoing by the police to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the unwholesome attack on the officer.

He further stated: “As we go into the Governorship/House of Assembly Elections slated for Saturday, 9th March, 2019, the IGP reiterates his earlier warning that the Nigeria Police Force under his watch will not condone any act of assault against any member of the Public, including the personnel of the Force legitimately assigned to protect the sanctity of the ballot.”